James Harden's return to Oklahoma City has taken an emotional and tragic detour for the Houston Rockets.
The spotlight will eventually turn to the star guard.
Only hours after attending the funeral of coach Kevin McHale's daughter on Wednesday, Harden will have to deal with a different set of emotions when he faces the Thunder for the first time since being traded away last month.
Harden spent his first three seasons with Oklahoma City (11-4), winning the league's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2011-12 and helping the team to the NBA finals.
But after he and the Thunder were unable to agree on a long-term extension, Harden was dealt to Houston (7-7) on Oct. 27 in exchange for Kevin Martin, rookie Jeremy Lamb, two first-round picks and a second-rounder.

Before the meeting with his former team, however, Harden and the Rockets will be in Minneapolis for the funeral of Sasha McHale - the 23-year-old daughter of head coach Kevin McHale.

Sasha McHale died on Saturday from complications of lupus.

"I think we're strong enough to get through it," Harden said. "We've got to be there for coach. He's going through a lot right now. Our biggest thing is just supporting him, and making sure we comfort him."

I think Russ is going to bend Lin over and have his way with him. OKC should theoretically win this but you never know with how Parsons and Asik have been playing lately. Also, I expect harden to go off for at least 30 as a statement. I really hope there are no boos for Harden though, the guy has been big for us.